Doncaster Knights’ spirit delights boss

Knights' Latu Makaafi is tackled. Photo: Sarah Washbourn

Steve Hossack

Published:05:29Monday 21 September 2015

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Doncaster Knights have continued their fine start in the Championship.

Knights, who topped the table before yesterday’s games following their 31-27 win over Jersey, will go into Saturday’s derby against Rotherham Titans at Clifton Lane holding down joint- second place with Bristol, who picked up a five-point win yesterday to climb into the top three.

“Although it would have been nice to have picked up another bonus point win I’d have settled for the result before the game,” said director of rugby Clive Griffiths. “They are no mugs up front and they’ve got some tidy backs.

“I’m delighted with 11 points from our first three games considering what a tough start we’ve had.”

Griffiths, whose side trailed 20-16 at the break having failed to contain Jersey’s catch and drive tactics, conceded a third try early in the second half.

“I felt the next score would be very important and if we were to get it we could still go on and win it as we have done so many times,” said the Welshman. “It was a massive effort in the second half and it was a testament to the team’s character.”

The decision to take off two-try flanker Latu Makaafi on the hour was greeted by a few boos, but Griffiths countered: “We’ve got to manage him because he gives everything. Alex Shaw is also a very good player the whole bench was again phenomenal.”